The federal government has assured that the challenges to the implementation of a new national minimum wage would be addressed, saying the committee for wage negotiation would commence soon.
Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, said this yesterday, during a courtesy visit to the headquarters of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC).
In a statement by the Director of Press and Public Relations in the ministry, Olajide Oshundun, the minister expressed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to ensuring issues of the new wage are addressed.
“I do not want to wait for any stakeholder to start agitating. That is why I have come to remind you that I am aware of those agreements and we are working round the clock to make sure they are fulfilled. If there is any that we cannot fulfill now, including the past ones, we will continue our engagements on them.”
Onyejeocha also maintained that government appreciates the plight of the trade unions, noting that her visit was not only to reiterate government’s readiness for partnership but to keep the channels of communication open.
She said: “I am here specifically to reassure you that we have not forgotten about the agreements between the government and trade unions. Thank God that you have confirmed that the federal government has started paying the N35,000 wage award and I can assure you that the payment is on course and the outstanding will be paid within a short period.”
She commended the leadership of TUC for having faith in the government and assured the union of government’s continued readiness to listen to them, as well as partner with them for the greater good of the people.
The President of TUC, Comrade Festus Osifo, thanked the Minister for her timely and thoughtful visit, adding that her visit would go a long way to building trust and mutual understanding between the government and the union.
He commended the government for some of the major steps taken so far, specifically for fulfilling up to 80 per cent of the agreement with the management of Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), and urged the government to fulfill the remaining 20 per cent of that agreement.
“We are not a union that waits for the government to fail to hold it to ransom. That is why we keep engaging,” Osifo said.
Earlier, in the meeting with the leadership of CONUA, the minister reiterated the government’s willingness to work with unions and address their concerns satisfactorily.
CONUA Chairman, Niyi Sunmonu, who tabled some issues that he said required government quick implementation, expressed optimism for a strike-free future with continued government understanding and commitment.
